Owning Multiple SIM Cards? You Could Be in Big Trouble: Know the Risks of Having Over Your Limit on Mobile Phone Numbers
The digital age has made it common to own multiple SIM cards under one’s name. However, not many people are aware of the risks involved in owning multiple SIM cards. There can be serious financial and legal consequences if any individual uses more SIM cards than the legal limit. You could be subject to huge fines and even jail time.
Limits on SIM card ownership
According to the Telecom Act, 2023, a person is allowed to own no more than nine SIM cards. This limit is set at six in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, North-East Licensed Service Area (LSA), and Assam. This is done to prevent fraud and manage telecom resources effectively.
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Penalties for violations
The law provides that a person will be fined up to ₹50,000 for exceeding the prescribed limit. Repeated violations can result in a hefty fine of Rs 2 lakh. Moreover, the law has strict provisions to prevent people from obtaining SIM cards through illegal means. If caught, the person can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Detect misuse
Telecom operators will keep records of the number of SIM cards issued to each user.
Users can track the number of SIM cards registered under their name by logging into the portal provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). If there is any case of misuse and identity theft to obtain SIM cards, users can report it immediately. Regularly checking such information can help users stay away from potential fraudulent activities.
Read more: Government introduces stricter regulations on SIM card sales
The DoT has also ordered re-verification of users who have more SIM cards than the permissible limit. From December 2021, users who exceed the limit will be directed to re-verify and given three options. These include surrendering, transferring or giving up the additional connections. This step ensures that the new regulations are implemented effectively and ensures that the telecom system functions with integrity.
Read more: E-Sim makes tracking lost smartphones easier: Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal
Check the SIM card issued under your name:
You can use DoT’s Sanchar Sathi portal to verify the number of SIM cards issued to your name by following these steps:
- Visit Sanchar Saathi website.
- Go to mobile connection test option.
- Enter mobile phone number.
- Enable captcha verification.
- Enter the OTP code shared on your phone.
- View your registered SIM cards.
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